Spring Fling

A/N: This one shot is set in 1987…season 4…a very good season for Seth fans, IMO.

"Do you think we've become too set in our ways?"

Seth looked up from the chess board, a look of disbelief on his face. "Too set in our ways? Me, maybe. But you?" He made a disparaging noise. "You just got back from flitting around…where was it? Savannah?"

"I was just visiting an old friend," Jessica protested as she watched Seth move his bishop.

"Hmph. Old friend, my Aunt Fanny! He proposed, didn't he?" Seth cut his eyes up at Jessica. "That's what I heard, at least."

"It wasn't a proposal, Seth. It was a ruse. Eugene thought someone was trying to poison him."

Seth grunted. "I don't doubt he would've followed through with it, if he'd thought you were even the least bit willing."

"Well, I wasn't," she said archly and moved her rook. "Besides, that was ages ago."

"Checkmate," said Seth swiftly. He looked up at her and grinned. "And it was hardly a month ago."

She pulled a face at him, then stood from the table and stretched. Seth busied himself with collecting the chess pieces.

"Seth?"

"I'm right here, woman!"

"Don't you think we ought to do something different? Something to shake up our routine?"

Seth eyed her suspiciously. "Out with it, Jessica. Subterfuge isn't your style."

"I don't know what you mean," said Jessica coquettishly, then laughed. "Alright. What I'm really hoping is that you'll do me a favor."

"Mayhap I will. What is it?"

"Are you busy a week from this Friday?"

"Well, now. That depends."

"I thought we were friends!"

"We are, Jessica. But I'm no fool. You won't come right out with it, so it must be something awful. Babysitting the Bergdahl children? Drinking sour mash with the Applewood sisters? Hosting another dinner party for more of Amos' hillbilly relations?"

Jessica made another face at him. "The Applewood sisters brew cider, as you well know." Seth grunted. "Amos' relatives were nice. Mostly." Seth looked at her blandly. "And, as you well know, Amos has moved down to Kentucky." She resisted the urge to point a finger at him. "Anyway, it's nothing like that!" She flashed him a brilliant smile. "This will be fun!"

"I'll be the judge of that, woman. At least I will be as soon as you spit it out!"

She fixed him with those dazzling eyes and, for a moment, he felt his face begin to slacken into that lovesick grin he was determined to hide from her. He sat straighter. "We've been asked to chaperone the annual Spring Fling dance at the high school."

Seth's jaw dropped. "What?"

"You heard me," said Jessica tartly.

"Well, I hope you turned 'em down flat!"

"I told them we'd be happy to do it!" Jessica said indignantly.

"Chaperone a dance full of teenagers? Jessica, you must be mad."

"They're all dears."

"Hardly." Seth had experience with some of those "dears," and he did not share her sentiment.

"It'll be fun," she began.

"Fun?"

"Yes, fun! It'll do us good to be around young people." She smiled wistfully. "I do miss teaching."

He looked at her, her face aglow with fond memories of her life as it used to be, and his heart clenched painfully. She knew him. She knew he wouldn't, couldn't, disappoint her.

"Alright," he said gruffly.

Jessica clapped her hands delightedly. "Oh, Seth. Thank you! You won't be disappointed."

Seth had a feeling the evening wouldn't be quite as delightful as she appeared to think it would be, but seeing her so happy curbed his impulse to point out all the potential downsides of this absurd misadventure. He only smiled back at her, but it felt more like a grimace.

They'd arranged for Seth to pick her up at 6:15, but he was a few minutes early. He tilted his rear view mirror to straighten his bow tie one last time, then he picked up the plastic box that contained a corsage and got out of the car.

He wasn't sure what was appropriate for a "spring fling," but he thought Jessica would appreciate the delicate corsage he'd asked Lois to make up for her tonight. As he ambled up her front walk, he had the strangest notion that he was calling on his sweetheart for a date. He tugged nervously at his collar.

It wasn't as though he was averse to a date with the pulchritudinous Mrs. Fletcher. But was this a date? Pfft. Chaperoning a high school dance? This was a kamikaze mission. Whatever had possessed him to agree? As if you didn't know. He bounced on his heels to disperse the excess energy he was filled with and rang the doorbell.

He heard her footsteps on the stairs. She called "Coming!", then she opened the door. Seth felt his jaw drop. He had an urge to run back to Lois's shop and order up a dozen red roses. Jessica looked radiant. She was wearing a simple blue-patterned, figure-hugging dress with a scoop neck and three-quarter sleeves. She was wearing her favorite pearl necklace and small seed pearl earrings. Her hair and makeup looked professional. "Good evening, Seth! Come in!"

He fumbled into the entryway and handed her the corsage dumbly. She took it from his hands quizzically. "Is this for me?"

"A-yuh," he managed.

"Oh, Seth. It's lovely." She smiled at him. "It's been years since I've had a corsage. What a lovely thought." She opened the box and carefully removed the corsage. "Will you pin it on for me?"

Seth nodded, willing his hands not to tremble. He took the corsage from her hands and removed the pins. "Will you hold these?" Jessica nodded and took them from him. He moved just that much closer. She tilted her head away from his, and he could see the alluring curve of her neck in his peripheral vision. He smelled that delicate scent she often wore and stifled a groan. He gently gathered a bit of fabric near her collarbone. "I don't want to ruin your dress," he said.

"It's alright," she said, and he felt the ghost of her breath against his ear.

He drew in a breath, then said "Hand me a pin, would you?" Their hands brushed as Seth carefully took the pin from her while continuing to hold the corsage to her dress. He deftly inserted the first pin, then held out his hand for the second. "There," he said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "You look lovely, Jess," he said softly.

"Thank you."

The air around them was thick with a different kind of tension, and it unnerved Seth. He looked at his watch. "We should be going, don't you think?"

Jessica nodded. "Just let me get my coat and purse." She turned quickly and Seth watched her walk away. Hoo boy, he thought. She came back holding her coat and bag. Seth reached for her coat automatically and helped her into it, resisting the urge to smooth his hands down her shoulders.

He grasped her elbow as he steered her to the front door. "Shall we?"

Jessica nodded. "I think we'll have a marvelous time."

"Escorting you is already worth the price of admission, Mrs. Fletcher." He was pleased to see a faint flush on her face. He cleared his throat. "We'd better skedaddle, Jess. We don't want to be late." He bustled her out the door and into the car.

Jessica made approving noises as they entered the gym. "They've done a wonderful job, don't you think?"

"A-yuh," said Seth. Jessica was always disposed to see the best in any person, situation, or event. He was less impressed by the balloons, streamers, and tissue paper flowers that littered the gymnasium.

Jessica grasped his arm playfully. "Oh, Seth. I do thank you for chaperoning with me." She kissed him lightly on the cheek.

Before Seth could gather his wits, they were descended upon by the most diligent members of the PTA, Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Hoey. Linda and Pearl, two of his least favorite residents. They hustled Jessica right out from under him, but at least they hadn't given him a job.

"Oh, and Doc? Would you be a dear and help Andy finish stringing those lights?"

"Spoke too soon," muttered Seth and, with a deep sigh, went to help the hapless Andy untangle what appeared to be the hardware store's entire stock of twinkle lights.

"Jessica you look just divine," said Pearl as she took Jessica's coat and purse. "And what a lovely corsage!"

"Yes," said Jessica, fluffing it a little. She'd made sure not to crush it under her coat or the seat belt on the ride over.

"It's such a delicate shade of red…and you know what red symbolizes." The two women tittered.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

"Well, Doc brought you the corsage, didn't he?" asked Linda impatiently. Jessica merely inclined her head. "And you know what the color red symbolizes, don't you?"

"Look at her face, Linda! Of course she knows. Now she just has to let ol' doc down easy." Pearl grasped Jessica's arm in an empathetic squeeze. "Don't say another word, Jess. We'll keep an eye on things. Help you out if you need it. Heck, we can even give you a ride home if you need one!"

"That's very kind, but—"

"Say no more, Jess. Say no more. We understand completely." Linda and Pearl exchanged a look that was completely lost on Jessica. "Did we tell you the school hired a DJ for tonight's dance?"

Jessica let the two women natter on. All she had to do was nod and smile occasionally. There had been something in the air between her and Seth. Tonight, certainly, but it wasn't just tonight. It had been simmering between them for months now. Tonight was just an excuse, a ruse, so that Jessica could find out just how far she could push Seth's boundaries. He was always so careful around her.

In the early days, she'd appreciated that. She hadn't wanted to be close to anyone, in that way, not since she'd been so terribly disappointed in Preston. Her attraction to him had clouded her usually perceptive judgment and the whole sorry episode resulted in a blow to her self-confidence. At least in the area of romance.

She smiled ruefully. She'd been so certain, after Frank's death, that she could never love again. But she could hear Frank's voice so clearly…is that really so, Jessie? She'd done a fair amount of soul searching since that time. Back then she'd only been widowed for little more than a year. Vulnerable, still reeling from Frank's unexpected death, completely out of her depth in an unfamiliar world…of course she'd responded so positively to any man's kind overtures. Preston was slim, handsome, youthful. He was a good conversationalist, an adept host, extremely flattering when he chose to be.

She shook her head. Seth was nothing like Preston, and thank heaven for it! Oh, he was irascible, stubborn, a traditionalist. He also looked you straight in the eye and told you exactly what he thought, even when he knew it would sting. Or worse. You knew where you stood with Seth. She knew they were friends, very good friends…best friends, if she believed in such a concept. She was ready for something more. The question was whether Seth was ready for what she wanted. Well, Jess. That's what this whole evening's about.

Before long, the students began arriving and, after a brief announcement about expectations from the dour-looking Mrs. Bowers, the DJ began blasting what he called music but Seth called noise into the gym. The only good thing was that Jess had to lean into him in order to be heard. That delicate scent tickled his nose, and he longed to hold her close in his arms, dancing to a smooth orchestra playing something like Moonlight Serenade. It hadn't escaped his notice that her feet were tapping to the beat of nearly every song so far. He swallowed a plaintive sigh. She was so lovely.

"Seth? Did you hear me?"

He startled a bit, realizing how close Jessica's lips were to his ear. He turned abruptly, which didn't help, as he thought if he leaned in just a fraction closer, he could brush her lips. He put his mouth as close to her ear as he dared. "Sorry, I didn't."

She squeezed his arm and smiled apologetically. "I only said that I'm sorry it's so loud."

Seth nodded. "A-yuh," he said. He glanced at the kids, some of whom were flailing about on the dance floor. He turned back to murmur in Jessica's ear. "It's a pity none of these young ones know how to dance."

Jessica laughed, then reached for Seth's hand. "We could show them." Seth's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. Had he heard her correctly? "You heard me," she said and squeezed his hand.

Not letting go of her hand, he demurred. "I don't know about you, but I can't dance to that."

I'm a cowboy

On a steel horse I ride

I'm wanted dead or alive

Wanted dead or alive*

He felt Jessica's shoulders shake with laughter. He wanted to see her face, but he was afraid if he moved, she'd pull her hand from his. "Not a song like this," she murmured in his ear. "I'm sure a slow one will come along soon." She squeezed his hand again. "What do you think?"

I think there's nothing you could ask I wouldn't do. "Alright," he said gruffly. "We'll make total fools of ourselves, woman, but alright."

She kissed his cheek impulsively. "It'll be fun. You'll see!" He wasn't sold on the idea of making an ass of himself at a high school dance he was supposed to be chaperoning, but the idea of holding Jessica in his arms was irresistible. "I'll be right back!"

She dropped his hand, and he watched as she walked confidently to the DJ. He leaned down, and they spoke for a few minutes. Jess smiled and nodded, then hurried back to Seth. On the way, she stopped to fill a cup with punch. "Here," she said, handing him the cup.

"What's this?"

"Drink up! We'll be dancing soon."

Seth sniffed it suspiciously. "Why? Is there alcohol in here?"

Jessica laughed. "Of course not! But you'll need to stay hydrated!"

"I'd rather have the liquid courage," he muttered but drank the punch obligingly.

"We're slowing things down, boys and girls, at a request from Mrs. Fletcher."

Jessica threw Seth bemused look, then took the cup from his hand and set it on the nearest table. "Let's go!"

Jessica took his hand and led him to the dance floor, turning smoothly to face him, and Seth took her in his arms automatically as heard the strains of what might have been a piano. He couldn't be sure; all this new music sounded so artificial to his ears.

I've gotta take a little time

A little time to think things over

I better read between the lines

In case I need it when I'm older

He felt foolish, absurd. What was he doing here? What were they doing here?

This mountain, I must climb

Feels like a world upon my shoulders

Through the clouds, I see love shine

Keeps me warm as life grows colder

Jessica beamed at him, and he began to relax enough to listen to the lyrics.

In my life, there's been heartache and pain

I don't know if I can face it again

Can't stop now, I've traveled so far

To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is

I want you to show me

I wanna feel what love is

I know you can show me (hey)

His heart lurched painfully. He'd tried so hard not to fall in love with Jessica, but that had been as fruitless as trying to empty the shore of sand. Who could resist the pull of her eyes, her sunny, open nature, the wholesome sexiness she exuded? He felt her move imperceptibly closer to him, and it was only long years of discipline that kept him from crushing her to him and kissing her senseless. But what could she see in him?

Gotta take a little time

Little time to look around me

I've got nowhere left to hide

Looks like love has finally found me

It wasn't in Jessica to prevaricate. She didn't tease or manipulate. If she was here with him, like this, it had to be because she wanted to be. Wanted to be with him. She wasn't manipulative, but she was careful. Maybe she was testing the waters, giving him an opportunity to show her how he felt. That thought was as intriguing as it was improbable.

In my life, there's been heartache and pain

I don't know if I can face it again

Can't stop now, I've traveled so far

To change this lonely life

He was afraid, afraid to risk his only connection to Jessica for something more. But here she was, in his arms, close and warm. He could hardly think as they moved around the dance floor.

I wanna know what love is

I want you to show me

I wanna feel what love is

I know you can show me

I wanna know what love is (I wanna know)

I want you to show me (I wanna feel)

I wanna feel what love is (I know, I know, and I know)*

As the song faded, he looked up, and to his surprise, several of the students were watching them, curious and interested. He slowed their movements, letting his hands fall from hers, but staying close. Another song* began almost immediately. This one was faster, but it reminded Seth of the kinds of songs he and Ruth used to jitterbug to. Without conscious thought, he swung Jessica back in his arms. She obliged, laughing as they swung round and round to the bouncy tune.

Seth was loath to loosen his grip on her, but he thought it wise. They'd already attracted quite enough attention. He'd seen those old buzzards lining the dance floor, looking either shocked, disapproving, or both.

"Mrs. Fletcher?" A gangly youth Seth estimated to be around 16 was hovering at Jessica's elbow.

"Adam!" cried Jessica delightedly. "I didn't know you were here!"

Adam ducked his chin, making his head bob in a way that reminded Seth of an eggplant hanging from its stalk. "I was watching you dance." He jerked his head toward Seth. "With Dr. Hazlitt," he added unnecessarily. "You don't think…I mean, you couldn't…"

Seth was growing more frustrated with this particular dear, but Jessica, recognizing that Seth was about to say something regrettable, rescued the situation.

"Were you wondering if I'd give you a dancing lesson?" Adam ducked his head sheepishly and Jessica chuckled. "Of course!" She furrowed her brow. "I'm not sure when another appropriate tune will come along, though." She glanced toward the DJ, whom Seth was convinced had been keeping tabs on Jessica's whereabouts after her initial song request. Sure enough, he switched on his microphone at the end of the song.

"We're gonna slow things down again, boys and girls. Here's You're the Inspiration by Chicago."

Seth backed off the dance floor, not taking his eyes from Jessica. He was charmed by her enthusiasm for this young man, but, absurd though he knew it to be, he was jealous. Not of Adam. He was a child. He was jealous of Jessica, of anyone who came between them. Those men she flirted with while she was away. He knew some of their names, not all. It stung something fierce, but he insisted on reading all the articles about her, and he made himself look at the photos of her and her escorts, each more wealthy and handsome than the next. He sighed bitterly.

They were on him before he realized.

"Awfully sweet of Jessica to teach that young one to dance," said Linda.

"It's a pity," said Pearl. "I always say it's a pity the young folk don't know how to dance."

Seth grunted and Linda cut her eyes at him. "I saw you two dancing out there," said Linda. "Jessica's a lovely dancer."

"A-yuh," he said, unwilling to unbend even that much, but realizing the futility of refusing to speak at all. Fortunate indeed the music was loud, though not as loud as it had been. Not a bad tune, he thought grudgingly.

"Jessica's just back from down South, is that right?"

"A-yuh."

Linda eyed him, a malicious glint in her eye. "I s'pose you heard she got a marriage proposal."

Seth bounced on his heels in time to the music. "A-yuh." Jessica was having a time with that young fellow, but his lack of ability couldn't dampen her elegant form. She was a beautiful woman. It was more than that, of course, but he couldn't deny she was a beautiful woman.

"Nice corsage." Seth ignored her. "I say," said Linda, raising her voice. "Nice corsage." Seth nodded as politely as he could. "Red."

"A-yuh," replied Seth. He had a sinking feeling he knew where this was going. If these two dim bulbs noticed, then Jessica, with her quick spark, had already factored in the corsage and the choice of color. His heart quickened with hope as he thought of their two dances. Was it his imagination or had she pressed close to him? They had been close. He felt his collar grow tight.

"Course now she's dancing with Patrick."

Patrick, thought Seth? Coach Lannigan? Indeed she was. He'd been so preoccupied by his thoughts of Jessica that he hadn't realized the coach had cut in on Adam, who was floating aimlessly around the dance floor, trying to recreate the steps he'd just been shown. Seth gritted his teeth. Word around town was that Mrs. Lannigan had had good reason to leave her husband, whose wandering eye she'd grown weary of. No children, which made it easier. Seth grunted. Jessica was laughing and chatting, seemingly delighted by her new partner. The way her hips moved in that dress…

"Doc? Doc?"

"What?" muttered Seth irritably.

"They make a handsome couple, don't they?"

Seth ignored the spiteful tone. The old besom, he thought irritably. She'd be only too happy to see me made foolish. That thought alone pulled Seth together. He'd come here with Jessica and they'd leave here together, even if it was the last event he'd ever escort her to.

Finally, finally, the dance was over. Jessica offered their help to stay for the cleanup, but Pearl looked askance at Seth and declined. She was feeling a twinge of guilt over having wound him up so thoroughly. He obviously didn't know that Patrick, Coach Lannigan, was involved in a hot and heavy and secret affair with the school's secretary, Mrs. Mayhew. Not that that would necessarily stop him making a play for Jessica, but he'd have to be numb to try something like that. Anybody who knows Jess knows she's a straight arrow, thought Pearl. She'd never take up with the likes of him, good-looking or no. Besides, she's in love with the doc. Only the poor man doesn't realize it.

"If you're sure," said Jessica reluctantly, but Seth took hold of her arm firmly.

"Thank you, Pearl," he said as he maneuvered Jessica out of the gymnasium. "It's been an evening."

"Seth. Seth!" said Jessica, as she struggled to keep up with him.

As soon as they made it through the doors, he relaxed his grip on her and slowed his pace. "Sorry. I just…wanted to get out of there."

Jessica looked sheepish. "Did you not have a good time?"

Seth grunted as he unlocked her door and held it open for her. She'd said she felt too warm for her coat, so Seth opened the back door and laid it carefully across the seat. He made sure she was settled, then closed her door and went round to the driver's side.

"Seth?" She was quiet for a moment as he got settled in.

"Put your belt on."

Jessica fumbled for her belt. This wasn't going at all according to plan. As it clicked into place, Seth pulled out of the parking spot and turned out of the lot.

"Did you not have a good time tonight?"

"Not as good a time as you!" Of all the foolish—

"What do you mean by that?"

"You know what I mean," said Seth darkly.

"You mean the dancing?"

Seth grunted.

"Oh, Seth. For heaven's sake! I'm old enough to be his grandmother!"

"Not unless you grew up in L'il Abner's comic strip you aren't!" He exhaled loudly. "And I'm not talking about Adam, and you know it."

"Then what are you talking about?"

"I ought to focus on driving, Jess."

"Then pull over."

"What?"

"You heard me. Pull over and let's have this out right now. You've been shooting me daggers all night!"

"Not all night!"

They were on a stretch of highway with a wide shoulder. He pulled the car over and put it in park without turning off the engine. It was plain foolish to pull over here, but if she wanted a discussion, then she'd get one.

He gripped the steering wheel, then unbuckled his seat belt so he could turn to face her. "You're a flirt, Jessica Fletcher!" He shook a finger at her. "You're all dressed up in this…this…form-fitting dress. You look at least ten kinds of beautiful." He sighed. "You're a beautiful woman, Jessica, but it's more than that. You're vibrant. Alluring. Hard to resist."

Jessica unbuckled her seat belt so that she could look him in the face. "You seem to be doing a pretty good job!"

Seth looked at her, aghast. "You think it's easy for me? You think it doesn't kill me every time you leave town? All your "escorts." Jessica was shocked to hear the bitterness in his voice. "Proposals of marriage and who knows what else," he said darkly. "And tonight? Dancing with that fancy man Lannigan?" His voice broke. "What are you doing with me, anyway? You don't need me."

"You're right, Seth. I don't need you." She took his stricken face in her hands. "I want you." She kissed him softly. "I want you," she repeated softly.

Seth put his hands on hers. "Don't, Jessica. Don't. I can't go through that again. I can't lose another—."

Jessica leaned over and kissed him, hard, then she flipped on the interior light. "Look at me," she said fiercely. "Look at me." Seth stared into her eyes. "I love you. I love you." Tears sprang to his eyes and spilled down across his cheeks. Jessica brushed her thumbs gently against his face to wipe them away. "I love you," she said again.

He grabbed her shoulders in a fierce grip. "Are you sure?"

Jessica nodded, feeling exposed, yet strangely serene and confident. She felt the shift in a moment. Seth moved his hands from her shoulders, smoothing them across her back as he pressed her to him. He kissed her deeply, and when she moaned in his mouth, he drew back just enough to see her eyes.

"Seth," she murmured, and she drew him to her.

His hands were everywhere. Jessica felt his desire for her, felt her own desire building. The conscious part of her mind was telling her to push him away so that he could drive them home as soon as possible. The remainder of her mind was happy to give itself up to Seth's warm, amorous caresses. She started as a beam of flashlight and a harsh knock on the window brought them both back to their senses.

"That you, Doc?"

Seth groaned. Of all people. He threw a deeply apologetic glance to Jessica, then moved to both roll down the window and shield her from view, if he could. Mort stifled a grin as Seth turned to him… necktie loose, collar undone, a smear of lipstick across his mouth.

"A-yuh, Sheriff. It's me."

"Car trouble?"

"No trouble at all, Sheriff," said Jessica in a clear, firm voice. "We were just getting ready to continue our drive home."

Sure you were. "Evenin', Mrs. F," said Mort with as much respect as he could muster. He wasn't about to shine his light in her direction. "Coming back from the dance, were you?" Seth nodded grimly. "I see. Well, if you're amenable, Doc, I'd suggest you take Mrs. Fletcher on home now."

"Will do, Sheriff. That was the plan all along."

"I'll stay behind you until you drive off."

"A-yuh," muttered Seth and he threw Mort a quick look of thanks as he rolled up the window.

Jessica righted herself and fastened her seatbelt. She smoothed her hand across Seth's thigh. "I'm sorry, darling."

"You're sorry?" He shook his head as he pulled the station wagon back onto the road as smoothly as he could. "I'm the one who should apologize to you, Jessica! Manhandling you like that!"

She smoothed her hand dangerously far up his thigh. "What would you think if I told you I liked being handled by you?"

"Woman, are you trying to make me wreck this car? With Mort behind us? He's sure to follow us all the way to your house."

"Speaking of that."

"Yes," said Seth distractedly as he watched Mort's lights in the rearview mirror.

She squeezed his thigh. "I think you should pull around back."

Seth's eyes disappeared into his hairline. "Whatever for, Jess?" he managed weakly.

Jessica leaned as close as she could. "I think you know what for, Seth."

"I'm not…I'm not at all sure. I mean, you deserve—"

"Seth," and the tone in her voice stopped his meandering words. "Let's go home, and make love."

Seth swallowed. He wished he could look at her, but he couldn't take his eyes from the road. The last thing he wanted was another run-in with the sheriff. He drove as quickly as he dared through the empty streets, and, as he pulled the car around back, he risked a glance at Jessica. Her eyes were sparkling and a small smile played about her lips. He heard Mort honk as he drove past the house. Seth put the car in park and unfastened his seatbelt. "Are you sure?" he asked quietly.

"I'm sure," said Jessica. "It's been a long time since I've been so sure of anything."

"And you don't want to wait."

"I don't. Do you?"

"I want to do what's right, Jessica. What's proper. You deserve—"

Jessica put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I think I'm getting exactly what I deserve, Seth. We very likely will marry, darling." He turned to her quickly, a look of eager amazement on his face. "But not anytime soon," she said tenderly. "We've loved each other for a long time, haven't we?" Seth nodded. "And you waited until I was ready?"

"I'd wait for you forever," he said quietly.

"I'm ready."

Seth grasped the hand on his shoulder and squeezed. Jessica could see tears sparkling in his lashes. He turned off the car, then opened his door to get out. He walked around the car to open Jessica's door. He took her hand as he helped her out of the car. "I'm ready, too," he said as he grasped her hand in his and they walked into the house.

A/N: I've long had this irrepressible idea that Jessica enjoys certain 80s pop songs. She loves to dance, and I thought it would be fun to explore the idea that she wheedled Seth into chaperoning a high school dance. I hope you enjoyed this!

*Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi

*I Want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner

*Breakout - by Swing Out Sister

You're the Inspiration - Chicago